. >>> well some california seniors fear that cuts made through the fiscal cliff could hurt them immensely. >> it helps security, medicare, and in medicaid. it's not even food on the table. that sour message. >> workers, community leaders rallied in 15 cities across the state today, including san francisco. they are urging congress to save social safety net programs and increase taxes on the wealthiest 2% instead. >>> with the fiscal deadline now just three weeks away, there's some optimism, a deal is in the works. the cbs reporter shows us the newfound enthusiasm that follows a face-to-face meeting between president obama and house speaker john boehner. >> reporter: if lawmakers want to settle this in time for christmas, negotiators need to kick it into high gear next week. they must reach an agreement by early next week at the latest. that's the only way that members will have enough time to read it, debate it, and vote on it in the house and senate before heading home for the holidays. in a now familiar routine, both sides blamed each other today for the slow pace of talks. the senate d